Invitational Institute

Every National Writing Project site—including Prairie Lands Writing Project— offers experienced teachers the opportunity to apply and participate in an annual summer Invitational Institute. During the summer, these Teacher Scholars prepare for leadership roles by demonstrating their most effective practices, studying research, and improving their knowledge of writing by writing themselves. Upon succesful completion of the Invitational Institute, they receive NWP Teacher Consultant certification and join our TC cadre, putting their knowledge and leadership to work to improve student achievement.

The Invitational Institute is the cornerstone of the National Writing Project's teachers-teaching-teachers professional development model. It brings teachers from across grade levels and content areas together to study writing strategies and techniques to teach writing effectively.

Participants receive books, supplies, and six Missouri Western State University graduate credits which count toward PLWP's Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing, toward the MAS in Assessment: Writing Option, and toward the MAA in Written Communication: Writing Option ($2000 value). They also become NWP Teacher Consultants, joining a professional network and forming lifelong professional friendships (priceless).

2011 Invitational Institute

Past Invitational Institutes

Participant Quotes

2011 (includes videos) 2010 2009 2008 2007

e-Anthologies

2010 2008 2007 2006 2005
2004 2003 2002 2001  

Institute Dates

Wednesday, Janurary 18, 2012: Applications Due

Saturday, April 14, 2012: Orientation Day: 9 AM - 1 PM

Saturday, May 12, 2012: Inquiry Day Day: 9 AM - 1 PM

Saturday, June 2, 2012: Research Day: 9 AM - 1 PM

Four-Week Session, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 

  • Monday - Thursday, June 25 - 28 
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, July 2-3 & 5-6
  • Monday - Thursday, July 9 - 12
  • Monday - Thursday, July 16 - 19

Saturday, September 8, 2012: NWP Certification Session: 9 AM - 1 PM